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Switzerland contributes funds for Lombok earthquake relief

Woman carrying belongings amidst rubble
Around 100 Swiss nationals were present in Lombok when the earthquake struck but all those wanting to leave have managed to do so. Keystone

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has released CHF300,000 ($301,903) to assist earthquake survivors on the Indonesian island of Lombok. Swiss nationals stranded in the area have been able to leave. 

The funds will be handed over to the Indonesian Red Cross through the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the SDC announced on Friday. The local Red Cross is providing emergency shelter, healthcare, water and subsistence for those affected by the earthquakes. 

The Swiss representation in Jakarta is in permanent contact with the local authorities. So far, there are no indications of Swiss victims. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has been in contact with around 100 Swiss nationals who had been unable to leave the region immediately after the earthquakes struck. The strongest of the tremors was of the magnitude 6.9 on August 5. 

But all those who wished to leave have now been able to do so, according to the information available to the FDFA.   

Several earthquakes struck the island of Lombok in southern Indonesia over the past ten days, killing more than 300 people, injuring hundreds and displacing some 160,000. Thousands of tourists have left the area.

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